Couponing: Round 2 for the day = Improvement!

So, as some of you may have read, earlier this morning I had my first couponing outing at Publix, and did decently well for my first time. However, I was not fully satisfied with my outcome. I was happy, yes, but not fully satisfied. I felt I could do better... and I DID!

First of all, everyone needs to go to CVS and get an "extra care" card. It's sort of like getting free money. That's the only way I know how to explain it.

With my ECB card (extra care bucks card) I started out saving a little on two bottles of Nivea body wash, and a gallon of milk.
Nivea (with card) was $3.88 per bottle.
The milk was $3.19

I had (2) $3.00 coupons for Nivea Body wash
OOP: 2.35 for (2) Nivea Bodywash, after tax. ($1.16 each after tax)

I had (1) $1.00 coupon for the milk.
OOP: $1.19 (I am assuming the rest of the money deducted from the price of the milk came from the ECB card.... but the receipt is confusing to me, and I can't figure it out.)

At Publix I bought (2) 4-packs of YoPlus Yogurt $2.00 each.
Publix already had them on sale, BOGO
I then used (2) $1.00 coupons, (1) toward each 4-pack and VIOLA!
OOP: FREE!!!

Grocery List:
1 Gallon of Milk
2 Nivea Body Wash 16.9oz
2 4-pack YoPlus Yogurt
Total: $3.54

First "Extreme" Coupon Experience

Today I made my first attempt at Extreme Couponing! I will have to say, I will need a lot of practice! I did not do as well as I had hoped, but I did do well enough to keep me motivated!

Yesterday I went and bought TWO Sunday papers, took out all the coupons, and put them into three main categories: "Health & Beauty," "Paper Goods & Household," and "Food & Dog." According to what I have heard, I need to wait about five weeks before I touch the coupons, BUT I got a little excited and tried to find a couple of deals to start me off.

I started with two items from Publix.
Ritz Crackerfuls
Publix had them on sale BOGO
I then added (2) Manufacturer coupons each for $1 off. I was able to apply one coupon for each box. Lucky for me, the second box was already free, making the second coupon go towards the price of the first box!
Retail: (2) Crackerfuls = $3.49 ea. ($6.98)
Publix Promotion: BOGO = (2) Crackerfuls @ $3.49
(2) MFR Coupons, $1 off ea. = $2 off total
Out of Pocket (OOP): $1.49 for (2) Crackerfuls = $0.75 ea.

Same process for Orville Redenbocker Popcorn
(2) Orville Redenbocker =$9.78
Publix Promotion: BOGO. Leaving total @ (2) Orville Redenbocker for $4.89
(2) MFR Coupons, ea. coupon for $0.55 off one box. =$1.10 off total
OOP: $3.79 for (2) Orville Redenbocker = $1.90 ea.

Total OOP spent: $5.28
Total savings: $11.48 !!

Sorry if that was confusing, but basically the crackers and the popcorn were already Buy One Get One (BOGO), and I had one coupon per item purchased (totaling 4 coupons), meaning I was putting TWO coupons towards ONE item, since the second item is already free. Meaning, more savings for me!!

Until next time! Happy Saving! :)

Becoming a Coupon Queen

While enjoying a visit from my in-laws, I was having a conversation with Ryan's mom about couponing. I informed her that any time I have ever tried to use coupon's in the past, the store brand is always cheaper than the name brand item even with the coupon.
She was telling me that doing couponing that way will not save you money at all. If you coupon correctly, you can get a lot of items for a lot less than the originally price, if not free, and OCCASIONALLY even make money off and item. Although, some stores will not pay you the owed money, they will just leave your balance at zero. But STILL, ZERO dollars for a cart full of groceries is AWESOME!

Here are a few tips to help you in being a beginner couponer.
1)Go to southernsavers.com AND/OR the krazycouponlady.com
2)Read everything you can on the basics to becoming a couponer.
3)Don't try to become and EXTREME couponer to start with, start with ONE STORE to do all your couponing at.
4)Chose a store that seems more expensive the rest of the time, rather than a store that seems cheaper all of the time. (Publix, Kroger, Sweetbay, etc. are good choices.)
5)Get into the habit of picking up MORE THAN ONE paper with coupons, or coupon catalogue.


Feel free to join me on this new adventure! Also, don't hesitate to comment on any frustrations, or tips!